Posts By: MICHAEL C CRAVEN

Illinois Supreme Court Ruling Impacts Use of Social Security in Asset Division

  Earlier this summer, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled on a dispute between divorcing parties regarding the division of assets, and, in particular, how spouses’ pensions plans and future Social Security benefits should be taken into account when dividing marital assets.   Division of Assets and Marital Property The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) addresses the division of assets related to a divorce. Upon divorce, parties can either reach an agreement or ha...   Read more ...  

How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer

For many people, the decision to separate or divorce can be difficult. The decision carries a whole host of other issues and questions. Many people want to know where they will live, what will happen to their finances, who will have custody of their children. The first step to getting answers to those questions is finding, and hiring, an experienced divorce lawyer.   The prospect of meeting with and hiring a lawyer can be intimidating, and may itself deter or delay some people from proceedi...   Read more ...  

Collaborative Divorce: What is it and is it right for me?

  The prospect of going through a divorce can be daunting. Aside from the major emotional challenges that accompany any major life change, many people may be uncomfortable participating in a typical adversarial – and potentially combative – divorce proceeding. Collaborative divorce provides an option for those parties to avoid a lengthy, potentially ugly proceeding and still achieve their goals.   What is a Collaborative Divorce? Collaborative divorce is a relatively recent...   Read more ...  

Senate Bill 57: Changes to Illinois Family Law

  On July 21, 2015, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed Senate Bill 57 into law. The new legislation, which goes into effect on January 1, 2016, amends a great deal of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, which governs family law issues including marriage, separation, divorce, and custody. The Illinois Bar Journal highlighted the significance of changes to the grounds for divorce, property division, child custody and parental relocation.   Grounds for Divorce Senate...   Read more ...  

US Divorce Stats and Facts

  Around 50% of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. 41% of first marriages end in divorce. 60% of second marriages end in divorce. 73% of third marriages end in divorce. In America, there is one divorce approximately every 36 seconds. The average length of a marriage that ends in divorce is 8 years. ‘3 years’ is the average times for people, before they decide to remarry after they are divorced. ’30 years old’ is the average age when people get their first div...   Read more ...  

Illinois Orders of Protection: Domestic Violence and Eligibility

  While domestic violence has gotten increased attention in mainstream media, many victims continue to suffer in silence and isolation. While there is no one-size-fits all solution, one option that enables many victims to escape violent and abusive relationships and to stay safe is to file for an order of protection.   What is an Order of Protection? An order of protection is a court order that prohibits an abuser from engaging in certain behavior. In addition to requiring that abusers...   Read more ...  

1 40 41 42 43 44 61